Republican Manhunt Chairman canned

Towleroad has confirmed that Jonathan Crutchley, the Republican co-founder of Manhunt, the nation's largest gay hookup site, has been asked to resign by the board. The resulting brouhaha over his contribution to the John McCain campaign - the maximum allowed by federal law - turned into a boycott of the site.

The site's co-founder, a Democrat, has donated to the Obama campaign for President.

The site released the following statement late last night:

***STATEMENT from LARRY BASILE

"There has been a depiction this week of MANHUNT being Republican. All my life, I have never voted to the right, and have always been generous to 20th Century Democrats, Gay and Lesbian Advocates and Defenders, HRC, and the NGLTF.

"I was arrested at the Supreme Court and FDA in Act-Up actions, and was the founder of the Grass Roots Gay Rights Fund, which over the years has raised more than $800K. I was the Treasurer of Out Week magazine, which was a powerful force in its time. I began giving Obama donations in March 2007, and I have sent several checks that have yet to be reported. The hat and t-shirt I wear say 'Obama for President', as does the sign in front of my house. I refuse to live in a country that is so marred by war and hate. To me, Barak [sic] is by far the best candidate, probably better than we deserve.

"It should be known that Jonathan Crutchley's donation to McCain left the entire Board in disbelief. I am disappointed that we have lost some customers, and I understand the anger. It is too bad for the web site if we lose customers, but PLEASE never refer to me as a Republican. I consider it an offense.

"Earlier today, at the request of the Board, Jonathan has stepped down as Chairman.

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I don't know how I feel about this. On the one hand, it sucks of gay people were funding a man who donated to politicians they find offensive, on the other, it seems wrong to fire someone for their personal politics.